What is the most reliable tiller?

To find the best tillers, we tested models from reliable outdoor brands in our own gardens, considering their ease of use , design , performance , and overall value . To learn more about how we tested tillers, check out our testing process below.

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When it comes to choosing the best tiller for your garden, like most outdoor power tools, you&#;ll need to choose between an electric or gas model. After that, key specs like tilling width and depth will determine how well a tiller can tackle the jobs you need it to.

&#;The tiller prepares the ground for planting seeds and bulbs and turns over the earth to get it ready for planting,&#; says Kris Kiser , president and CEO of Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). &#;It also makes it easy for weed removal .&#;

If you&#;re passionate about gardening or landscaping, a tiller can be a key tool to help prepare your soil for planting and take your yard to the next level. Tillers turn and break the top layer of soil, effectively loosening and adding air into the soil.

Since the machine is much larger than other options, and weighs much more, it moves slowly and takes up a lot of storage space. However, its large size means it unleashes a lot of power and works quickly to till soil. You can till a large space without much effort, as the tilling width goes up to 18 inches. We were impressed by the quality of the tillage and noted that it worked much better than the small tiller they had previously.

Unlike the other tillers on this list, the Mustang is a rear-tine tiller and the tines are located toward the back of the machine. Rear-tine tillers are more powerful and can dig deeply into the soil, but they also come with a higher price tag.

The Troy Bilt Mustang Rear Tine Tiller is the perfect machine for those who have a lot of land to till and will use a tiller frequently. This tough tiller has a counter-rotating mode for hard soil and a forward-rotating mode for softer soil. It also has a handy power reverse to unlock any rock jams or to get out of tight spaces.

All that power comes with a high price tag. Plus, this tiller takes up a lot of space.

This heavy-duty tiller is great for large projects, compacted soil, and any land that will require a lot of tilling.

This tiller has detachable wheels for easy transportation, however you must remove the wheels once it&#;s time to use the tiller. We found it annoying to have to remove the wheels in order to use the tiller, and wished the design was more convenient.

The tiller has a heavy-duty drive gear and a front engine guard, which protects the engine while you work. Though the ergonomic handles are not adjustable, they were still comfortable for our testers to use even when working for an extended period.

This Honda tiller was tested in soil that contained heavy clay as we prepared new flowerbeds. It was ready to work out of the box with no assembly required; just add oil and gas. The 4-stroke GX engine started easily and the controls were simple to use. The patented hybrid tines both cultivate and till the soil; we tilled the soil 4 inches down with great results.

However, this tiller takes up almost no space in a storage shed or garage and is otherwise easy to use. The battery lasted over an hour, which is all you need for the smaller projects this tiller is designed for. The counter-oscillating tines are designed to prevent weeds from getting tangled, ensuring you don&#;t have to stop work to detangle them. Overall, this tiller is the perfect tool for light tilling jobs, but may not be a good fit if you have a lot of land to till or don&#;t have a lot of physical strength.

If you&#;re low on storage space, this Black+Decker tiller is incredibly compact. It works a bit differently than other tillers and has no wheels&#;it&#;s entirely handheld, similar to a weed whacker. We discovered that this design meant we had to use more effort while using it and if we wanted to adjust the tilling depth, we had to use force to manually push the tiller into the ground. This was slightly inconvenient and we didn&#;t like that operating this tiller required more physical strength than other models.

There are no wheels, and the depth can only be controlled by manually exerting more pressure on the tiller.

The tiller is lightweight and the 6-inch wheels make it a cinch to maneuver. Because this is a lighter tiller, weighing only 21 pounds, it may not be suitable for heavy jobs or larger garden plots. However, our testers&#; biggest issue with this tiller was the instructions. The instructional pictures were so small it was hard to determine what the pieces were. And while most of the setup was intuitive, the double tines were difficult to assemble.

Using the tiller was straightforward. We simply plugged it and let it charge; it took less than two hours to get to a full charge. We used the tiller in 30-minute increments and the 40-volt lithium battery never died&#;the manufacturer advertises the battery can last for up to 45 minutes.

While testing, the Greenworks tiller efficiently churned through the weeds and soil in the garden. Testers experienced one rock jam, but it was easy to remove the rock and continue on. This tiller has 2,000 strikes per minute and quickly shreds the soil.

The set up instructions on how to attach the tines were unclear.

Despite the occasional inconvenience of having to move the extension cord out of the way while working, we liked this corded model, as we felt it was very easy to get started, and it didn&#;t require the work of filling and maintaining the gas tank.

During testing, this tiller was used on two large gardens with good results. It broke up the soil very well, approximately 2 to 3 inches deep. We were impressed by how powerful it was, despite being a lightweight electric model. The 12-amp motor quickly pulverized surface soil and readied the ground for planting.

The Sun Joe tiller was extremely easy to set up and use. To turn it on, we simply attached an extension cord, plugged it in, and then pushed the &#;on&#; button and trigger. Using the tiller was easy and intuitive. The tiller&#;s smaller size made it simple to manage, and it didn&#;t take up a lot of storage space. The handles even fold for better storage.

This corded tiller had an impressive performance in a large garden area, and it was simple to use.

Once the tiller was assembled, it was easy to maneuver and the machine didn&#;t jump too much, even with the throttle fully engaged. However, when making 90-degree turns, we often had to stop completely to make the turn. The other struggle we had with this machine was turning it on. Holding down the throttle was difficult for older users, and it took multiple pulls on the cord for the engine to catch; we wish there were a primer included to make this process easier.

The Earthquake tiller is highly customizable; we loved being able to adjust the handle height and the three different tiller width settings. The depth of the tines was also easily adjusted by removing a pin lock and lowering or raising the drag bar.

The Earthquake Versa did a great job of not only breaking up the soil but also removing weeds in our 25-year-old overgrown garden. After one pass, all the greenery above ground was removed along with most of the roots, and after another pass set at a deeper depth, the remaining roots were removed. The soil was effectively broken up and the machine was able to till down to an impressive 6 to 8 inches.

This tiller was difficult to maneuver for 90-degree turns and was challenging to start.

The Bottom Line

The Earthquake Versa Tiller was our favorite tiller, tearing through an overgrown garden with ease. It was easy to use and highly customizable, with the ability to adjust the handles, tilling depth, and tilling width.

Our Testing Process

We tested a variety of tillers in the real world, choosing from reliable outdoor brands to select tillers to test, making sure to include machines with a variety of tiller widths. We also wanted to include all power types, including battery, gas, corded, and manual tillers.

Once we decided which tillers to test, we brought them into our own gardens and lawns. First, we recorded how easy it was to assemble the tiller, turn it on, operate, and maneuver around the garden. We also noted whether it took up a large amount of storage space in our sheds and garages. 

While using the tillers, we experimented with adjusting the tilling depth and speed, as well as noted the noise level while using the tiller. We also noted how difficult it was to power the tiller, and in the case of battery-operated tillers, how long the batteries lasted and how long they took to charge. For corded models, we noted if an extension cord was required.

When using the tillers, we measured how easily the tiller broke up soil and the depth and overall quality of the tillage, keeping in mind the soil condition and whether it was compacted or full of weeds. 

After testing, we evaluated whether the price was fair for the performance and features of each tiller.

Better Homes & Gardens / Robert Dencklau

What To Know About Tillers Before Shopping

Tilling Width and Depth

The ideal tilling depth depends on your goals. Most tillers will have a maximum depth of 8 to 10 inches, and most are adjustable. If you simply want to prepare the ground for planting, you may want to till only a few inches deep. However, if you want to remove weeds down to the root, you&#;ll need to till deeper.

The best tilling width depends on the size of your garden or planting area. If you have a lot of ground to till, a wide tiller will help cut down on the amount of time it will take to get the job done. However, if you have a small garden, a wide tiller will be unnecessarily bulky and difficult to maneuver in a small space.

Power

If you&#;re tilling a small garden near your home, an electric corded tiller may be the perfect fit. However, if you&#;re tilling a large field far from a power source, a corded tiller is not going to be very helpful. Gas-powered tillers are more powerful and can work for hours (as long as you have gasoline on hand). While many electric tillers are powerful, they do typically need to be recharged after 45 minutes to an hour, which could disrupt your work if you&#;re tackling a big job. 

When selecting a tiller, a good way to gauge its power is by looking at the engine displacement. Engine displacement measures the maximum amount of air the engine can displace. Engine displacement is typically used to describe how big or small an engine is; generally, the higher the displacement, the bigger the engine. 

Kiser adds that &#;the more tines on your tiller, the more power your tiller will have to stir the dirt. A tiller with six tines per flange will require more horsepower than one with four.&#;

Tine Position

Tillers are either &#;front tine&#; or &#;rear tine&#; tillers. Most tillers advertised to home gardeners are front tine tillers, which are smaller and lighter. &#;Most people find [front-tine tillers] convenient to use and they are ideal for small to medium-sized gardens, and gardens with tight corners,&#; Kiser says.

On the other hand, a rear-tine tiller has tines located behind the wheel. &#;These tillers can dig deeply into the soil and make a big job feel easy,&#; Kiser says. However, they may be overly powerful for the average home garden. But if you have an expansive garden, they may be worth the extra cost.

Other Tillers We Tested

Mantis Tiller/Cultivator

The Mantis Tiller was easy to use and set up, and powerful for a small tiller. However, while the tiller worked well in loose soils, whenever it hit compacted soil and clay, it would bounce around and had trouble getting traction and digging into the soil. Since the goal of using the tiller was to break up these tough soils, we were disappointed in its performance.

Better Homes & Gardens / Robert Dencklau

Your Questions, Answered

What&#;s the difference between a tiller and a cultivator?

While tillers and cultivators are both used to prepare soil, there is a difference between the two. &#;Cultivators are smaller than a tiller and stay in the top inch of the soil, without disturbing plant roots,&#; Kiser says. &#;Cultivators are used to help keep the ground free of weeds. Tillers are generally used for heavy digging. They can prepare new garden beds or dig up old ones.&#;

How deep should tillers go?

Tillers typically reach 8 to 10 inches down into the soil. The average gardener would not need to till any deeper than that; depending on the job, you may want to only till a few inches deep.

Is tilling bad for soil?

To till or not to till&#;tilling can be a divisive concept among gardeners. Some gardeners and farmers think tilling the soil is important to aerate the soil, break up compaction, and work in nutrients. However, others practice no-till growing methods because, as Kiser notes, &#;sometimes the long-term effects of tilling may lead to weakened soil quality and resilience.&#;

When should you use a tiller?

Tillers are helpful for breaking up hard, compacted ground, removing overgrowth and weeds, and preparing the ground for planting seeds and bulbs. Tilling aerates the soil and you can till in compost to add nutrients to the soil.

It&#;s best to till a garden at the end of the growing season in the fall, or in the spring after the last frost when the soil is warm. You don&#;t want to till wet soil, as doing so will hurt the soil structure. A good way to test if the soil is dry enough is to grab a handful and squeeze it into a ball. If you squeeze it and water comes out, it&#;s too wet. If it crumbles, it should be dry enough to till.

Who We Are

This article was written by Better Homes & Gardens contributor Rachel Ahrnsen. She is a Master Gardener who spent hours researching tillers. She also consulted Kris Kiser, president and CEO, OPEI.

What is BHG Recommends? 

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila

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Contact us to discuss your requirements of Rotary Tiller. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

When it comes to gardening, a rototiller can save an incredible amount of time and effort. Good soil preparation is a key component to successful gardening, but manually turning the soil can be a slow, arduous process. That&#;s where rototillers come in handy. We tested seven rototillers of different sizes and prices, tilling more than 4,000 square feet of soil in the process. To find the best rototillers on the market, we used each tiller in a variety of ways, such as tilling existing garden beds, cultivating weedy garden paths, aerating compost piles, and breaking ground to create new garden spaces. 

A good rototiller or cultivator for any garden must be able to comfortably maneuver through the space while loosening and aerating compacted soil, removing weeds, and incorporating soil amendments. For some users&#; needs, this may call for a small battery-powered cultivator, while others may require a large gas rototiller. Our favorite of the group, the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco CRT Garden Tiller, turned a high volume of soil faster than any of the others. It was easy to operate for extended use, and it caused negligible physical strain and operator fatigue. 

This guide includes large, medium, and small tillers and cultivators powered by gas and electricity. Each has been garden tested and evaluated for digging power, maneuverability, and user comfort. Whether your garden calls for a heavy-duty rear tine tiller, a powerful front tine model, or a compact garden cultivator, this roundup of the best rototillers could help you find the right one for your garden space. 

Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila

How We Tested the Best Rototillers

Rototillers are mostly used to turn brand-new ground that is currently covered with established vegetation, or for seasonal tilling and cultivation in an existing garden. We marked out two testing plots: 2,500 square feet in an existing garden and 1,500 square feet in an established lawn. After assembling the tillers, we used each one to turn up sections of both test plots&#;first at a shallow depth, then at the maximum depth.

After the test runs, we noted our observations on a scoring rubric. To be included in this guide, a tiller had to be comfortable to operate and powerful enough to penetrate hardpan soil. In addition to noting specifications like power ratings and dimensions, we assessed ease of use, performance, durability, and perceived value. Finally, we assigned superlative awards for each model that passed our criteria. 

Testing StatsProducts tested8Hours spent testing25Tests performed6Price range$250 to $750

Our Top Picks

A rototiller quickly turns hard-packed soil into a crumbly and plant-friendly haven. Whether you&#;re breaking new ground for an expansive veggie garden or refreshing a small flower bed for seasonal color, one of our tested tillers could be just the tool for the job. In the reviews ahead, find out how each model performed in testing. 

Best Overall

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco CRT Garden Tiller

Photo: Tractor Supply Co.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5

Product Specs 

• Engine/motor: 208 cubic centimeter (cc) 4-cycle gas engine
• Weight: 184 pounds
• Tilling dimensions: 16 inches wide, 6 inches deep

What We Like

• Counter-rotating tines designed to break up new ground and hard-packed soil
• Balanced design facilitates easy 1-handed operation
• 13-inch ag tires and power reverse make it easy to navigate around obstacles
• Powerful engine and lots of torque for bed prep and seasonal cleanup

What We Don&#;t Like

• Wheels must be repositioned for nontilling transport to and from the garden
• Not suitable for detailed cultivation around fragile young plants

Our top choice for the best rototiller came down to power. The Troy-Bilt Super Bronco CRT garden rototiller features a 208cc gas engine and counter-rotating rear tines that easily churn through compacted soil without bouncing around as it climbs over roots and rocks. In our tests, it performed the best in terms of breaking new ground. It made the toughest seasonal tilling projects incredibly easy.

This tiller started up easily&#;normally on the first pull of the cord&#;and was easy to control with one hand. The tines had no problem grinding up our hard clay-based soil and returning it to the tilling path in a nice, crumbly texture. When it encountered larger rocks (up to the size of a baseball), the machine ejected them smoothly without jumping or surging.

This is not the largest rear tine tiller on the market, as it has a maximum tilling width of 16 inches and tills 6 inches deep. But the relatively modest size was ideal for our rectangular 1,500-square-foot test garden. That being said, it is designed to work in long, straight lines. Navigating turns in small and oddly shaped beds became cumbersome.

Get the Troy-Bilt rototiller at Tractor Supply Co. or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Toro 10" 2-Cycle 43cc Cultivator

Photo: Amazon

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Performance 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5

Product Specs 

• Engine/motor: 43cc 2-cycle gas engine
• Weight: 33 pounds
• Tilling dimensions: 6 to 10 inches wide, 8 inches deep

What We Like

• Adjustable width for easy mobility and precise cultivating between plants
• Overhead handles designed to minimize bouncing over rocks and roots
• Ideal for in-season garden maintenance and small garden bed soil prep
• Affordable price for a durable and dependable garden cultivator

What We Don&#;t Like

• 2-cycle engine requires a fuel mixture of gasoline and 2-cycle oil

For smaller garden beds that you don&#;t want to turn by hand, a compact and maneuverable tiller is necessary. This cultivator from Toro makes soil preparation and plant cultivation easier with the help of its lightweight, streamlined design. As a bonus, it has the lowest price of all the rototillers we tested.

The cultivator features onboard wheels with a locking spring mechanism that lets the operator raise and lower them for improved depth control. The tiller can be used with all four tines in place or just the inner two, resulting in a 10-inch or 6-inch tilling width, respectively. The overhand design on the handles gives the operator greater control and reduces bucking over rocks and debris in the soil.

We were pleasantly surprised to find that this garden cultivator actually operated much like a bigger rototiller, albeit with modified bolo-style tines and a slower rotation speed. It produced an impressive amount of torque for the size, which allowed it to break up compacted garden soil and root out weeds fairly easily. But unsurprisingly, it was underpowered and underweight for breaking new ground. The upright handle design definitely helped to reduce bucking, but it also transferred that energy to our hands, arms, and shoulders, so it&#;s best for working existing garden beds&#;or for busting up the clumps after breaking new ground with a spade. 

Get the Toro rototiller at Amazon, Lowe&#;s, Tractor Supply Co., or Ace Hardware.

Best Battery-Powered

Greenworks 10" 40V Cordless Cultivator With Battery

Photo: Amazon

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Performance 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.3/5 

Product Specs 

• Engine/motor: 4-amp motor
• Weight: 21 pounds
• Tilling dimensions: 8.25 to 10 inches wide, 5 inches deep

What We Like

• Convenient and easy-to-use battery-powered electric cultivator
• Included battery provides up to 40 minutes of running time and charges in 2 hours
• Pick-style tines for optimal performance in rocky soil
• Compact and lightweight; easy to transport and store
• Ideal solution for occasional use in small spaces

What We Don&#;t Like

• Less digging power than corded electric and gas-powered options

The Greenworks cordless electric cultivator has a 4-amp motor and comes with a battery charger and a 40-volt 4 amp hour (Ah) battery that can power the tiller for up to 40 minutes on a single charge. Instead of having to deal with the pull-cord start typical of gas-powered tillers, this battery rototiller has an easy-to-operate push-button start.

The rototiller weighs about 21 pounds and is supported by a pair of 6-inch wheels for easy transport. The four front tines till to a maximum depth of 5 inches, and the tilling width is adjustable between 8.25 inches and 10 inches. 

With modified pick tines capable of striking 2,000 times per minute, this cultivator moved quickly through our compacted garden soil. The smaller tilling area and shallow depth allowed us to safely cultivate near garden plants. It did a nice job of weeding as well as blending compost and fertilizer into the soil surface without damaging plant roots. However, like the other small tillers we tested, this one is not equipped to break ground in a brand-new garden bed. 

Get the Greenworks rototiller at Amazon, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Greenworks.

Best Cultivator

Honda 9" Mini-Tiller/Cultivator

Photo: Amazon

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Performance 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.3/5

Product Specs 

• Engine/motor: 25cc 4-cycle gas engine
• Weight: 26.8 pounds
• Tilling dimensions: 9 inches wide, 8 inches deep

What We Like

• Compact and lightweight, yet strong enough to break new ground
• Powered by a commercial-grade Honda GX25 4-stroke engine
• Highly maneuverable for close cultivation and tilling smaller garden beds
• Fast and aggressive 294 revolutions per minute (RPM) tine speed

What We Don&#;t Like

• Higher price than other small gas-powered rototillers

When it comes to outdoor power equipment, Honda consistently excels. The Honda FG110 mini tiller/cultivator is no exception. Powered by a clean-running commercial-grade GX25 engine, this model delivers surprisingly aggressive groundbreaking capabilities despite its small size. It packs the power to help with tough weeding chores, or to incorporate fertilizer and other soil amendments into the garden.

This tiller features plow-style handlebars with an on/off switch conveniently located next to the hand grips. It comes with modified bolo-style 6-point tines that can be configured in either 6-inch or 9-inch widths. Moving at 294 RPM, they easily chew up weeds and compacted soil, as well as break ground for new garden beds.

While this was the most expensive of the three smallest gas rototillers we tested, it was also arguably the most capable. The 25cc engine produced higher RPM, and the tines chopped more aggressively through tough soil and weeds, making it the most efficient cultivator of the bunch. It also held its own as a tiller for breaking ground, but it tended to bounce a bit more over rocks and roots due to the lower handle angle. 

Get the Honda rototiller at Amazon or Lowe&#;s.

Best Front Tine

Craftsman 24" 208cc Gas Front Tine Tiller

Photo: Lowe&#;s

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Performance 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5 

Product Specs 

• Engine/motor: 208cc 4-cycle gas engine
• Weight: 116 pounds
• Tilling dimensions: Adjustable (13, 22, 24 inches wide), 7 inches deep

What We Like

• Deep tines and wide tine assembly make quick work of large gardens
• Excellent maneuverability allows users to easily turn at row ends and avoid obstacles
• Large transport wheels and adjustable depth stake
• Adjustable tine width for added versatility 

What We Don&#;t Like

• Operator must wear gloves to prevent the engage lever from pinching hand

Traditional front tine rototillers offer the soil-churning power required for larger garden plots, along with convenient mobility for working around obstacles. This front tine tiller from Craftsman boasts an adjustable-width tine set and a 208cc gas engine, resulting in an abundance of power and versatility.

Weighing 116 pounds, this front tine tiller has plenty of weight to dig deep and prevent bouncing off hardpan soil and subsurface rocks. It can be configured to operate with two tines for a 13-inch tilling width or with four tines set at 22 or 24 inches wide. The recoil start system has an adjustable throttle lever with positive stops in the low and high settings. The tines are engaged by means of a grip lever on the left handle. 

The Craftsman front tine tiller had plenty of power to turn the compacted soil in our established garden using the widest tine configuration and the deepest depth stake setting. To break new ground, we narrowed the tines to 22 inches and tilled at half depth. In both scenarios, the torque and tine speed were more than adequate. 

As expected with front tine tillers, navigating curves and turns was much easier with this one than with a rear tine model. But the tradeoff was that the bumps and jostling we experienced when we encountered rocks and roots transitioned to our hands and bodies, increasing fatigue.

The only fault we found in this machine was due to the configuration of the tine engagement lever. The user activates it by squeezing it against the left handle, but doing so tends to pinch the hand. The best solution is to wear gloves while tilling, but a better solution would be for Craftsman to redesign this feature to eliminate the pinch point.

Get the Craftsman rototiller at Lowe&#;s.

Best Small

Kobalt 80V Lithium-Ion Cordless Electric Cultivator

Photo: Lowe&#;s

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.3/5 

Product Specs 

• Engine/motor: 80-volt motor
• Weight: 29.2 pounds
• Tilling dimensions: 10 inches wide, 5 inches deep

What We Like

• Convenient and easy-to-use battery-powered electric cultivator
• Included battery charges in 30 minutes
• Pick-style tines for optimal performance in rocky soil
• Compact and lightweight option; easy to transport and store
• Ideal solution for occasional use in small spaces

What We Don&#;t Like

• Lower RPM than our best battery-powered pick

For flower beds and raised-bed gardening, a small battery-powered rototiller is often the best tool for the job. The Kobalt 80-volt cordless electric cultivator is a perfect example. Powered by an 80-volt 2 Ah battery, it tills a path 10 inches wide and 5 inches deep. This small rototiller weighs only 29.2 pounds with the battery installed. 

In addition to its maintenance-free electric motor, several features make this model a comfortable and convenient choice. The included rapid charger replenishes the battery in just 30 minutes. The padded loop handle offers a sturdy, comfortable, and slip-resistant grip. Starting the tiller is as easy as pushing a button and squeezing a lever&#;no choke, primer bulb, or pull cord is required. The modified pick-style tines make fast work of compacted, rocky soil.

Right out of the box, the Kobalt 80-volt cultivator impressed us with its compact size and sturdy feel. It was easy to assemble, charged fast, and did a great job preparing our compacted garden beds. From a comfort standpoint, we preferred loop-style handles like this one over the bicycle-style grips. For smaller tillers navigating narrow spaces, this type of handle seemed to offer better control.

As with small battery-powered tillers, the pick tines and limitations of battery power were not well suited for breaking ground for new garden beds. This one is best for seasonal soil preparation and in-season garden maintenance.

Get the Kobalt rototiller at Lowe&#;s.

Most Versatile

Earthquake MC440 4-Cycle Cultivator

Photo: Amazon

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Performance 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5 

Product Specs 

• Engine/motor: 40cc 4-cycle engine
• Weight: 32 pounds
• Tilling dimensions: 6 to 10 inches wide, 8 inches deep

What We Like

• Compact gas-powered model ideal for seasonal soil preparation or starting new garden beds
• Clean-running U.S. Environmental Protection Agency III and California Air Resources Board&#;compliant 4-stroke gas engine
• Easy to maneuver with overhand handlebars and stow-away transport wheels
• Adjustable depth stake for deep tilling
• Budget-friendly price

What We Don&#;t Like

• 4-point tines and 250 RPM equal slower cultivation speed than our top performer

Sometimes, it&#;s tough to justify the purchase of a task-specific tool, but this tiller/cultivator combo&#;s optional add-on dethatching and edging kits make it a powerful multiuse machine. Use it to turn the soil in an existing garden or lift a portion of sod and till the hard soil underneath to create a new garden. 

At 32 pounds, the 4-cycle gas-powered engine is lightweight and easy to maneuver across existing beds. Its front-mounted tines till up to 8 inches deep and 10 inches wide with each pass. Adjustable tines make transitioning from tilling to cultivating fast and efficient, while variable-speed controls apply more muscle when soil conditions call for it. 

As a garden tiller, this model is well designed and easy to operate. During testing, we were able to turn 250 square feet of garden soil in just under 20 minutes. The handle design allowed us to exert more downward pressure as needed, keeping the tiller from bouncing around when the tines struck rocks and roots. It had plenty of torque to grind up new ground as well. As a cultivator, it was effective and nimble, but not as fast as some of the other models tested. The 4-point tines and 250 RPM speed equaled just 1,000 strikes per minute, whereas other models equipped with 10-point pick tines achieved 2,000 strikes per minute or more&#;even with fewer RPM.

Get the Earthquake rototiller at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co, Ace Hardware, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Earthquake.

What to Consider When Choosing a Rototiller

There are a few shopping considerations to keep in mind when looking for the right rototiller for garden tasks. In particular, think about the power source, type of tines, size, and portability so that you can get the most out of your purchase.

Tiller vs. Cultivator

Though the two terms are often used interchangeably, tillers and cultivators differ in functionality and purpose. When shopping, it&#;s important to understand which tool is more suitable for your specific gardening needs.

• Cultivators are used in existing beds to break up the crusty surface that results from the impact of rain on exposed soil. A loose soil surface allows air, water, and nutrients to easily reach plant roots and the beneficial soil organisms that live in the soil. It also makes it easier for emerging seedlings to penetrate the soil as they attempt to sprout and reach toward the sunlight. Cultivators work well to uproot weeds around existing plantings and to prep the soil before planting a vegetable or flower bed.
• Tillers work best in areas requiring more muscle, like gardens with heavy clay soil or new beds that need improved airflow and water permeability. The tiller tines dig deeply to turn over the soil, sometimes requiring several passes over the bed to break down heavy clods of soil into a workable substrate. If a tiller is used in a densely planted landscape bed, more harm than good may be done by damaging the root systems of existing plants. Furthermore, deep digging too frequently in an established bed can destroy the developing soil structure and displace beneficial soil organisms.
• Tiller/cultivator combinations offer the benefits of both tools with the option to adjust the digging depth of the tines on some models. Wheeled combos require the machine to be tilted forward or backward to adjust the depth.

Power Source

Tilling heavy soil by hand or with a shovel can be backbreaking work, but it doesn&#;t have to be tough when armed with the right rototiller.

Ideally, you&#;ll want to choose a rototiller with an engine that fits your landscaping goals. For smaller beds that require moderate cultivation, an electric rototiller will likely fit the bill. These tillers tend to be less powerful than their gas-powered counterparts, but they&#;re often lighter in weight and more compact. For creating new garden beds or working in heavy or compacted soil, a gas-powered tiller makes the work easier.

Gas-powered tillers are larger and heavier than their electric counterparts, and their engines produce significantly more tilling power. Two-cycle gas engines require a fuel mixture of 2-cycle oil and gasoline. Four-cycle engines run on gas alone, which makes them cleaner and more environmentally friendly than 2-cycle engines.

Corded vs. Cordless

Some rototillers and cultivators can be powered by electricity through an electrical cord or by using battery power.

• Corded rototillers rely on a direct connection to a power outlet. These tillers are a good option for gardens located close to power outlets. However, cord management can be a minor nuisance while working, and it can also limit a user&#;s movement.
• Cordless rototillers rely on rechargeable batteries that typically work for 30 to 60 minutes on a single charge. These tillers are great when working away from a power source, but they may not offer as much digging power as corded electric or gas.

Tines Positioning

Rototillers vary in how the tines are positioned on the tool. Differences in the positioning of the tines affect how the soil is tilled.

• Front tine tillers have forward-rotating tines located in the front, with nonpowered transport wheels positioned behind the tines. These tillers typically don&#;t reach very deep and are best used in existing beds that require light cultivation for weeding or adding soil amendments.
• Rear tine tillers have large drive wheels positioned in front of the tines and are ideal for new beds or heavily compacted soil. The tines can dig deeply to break up clay-based or rocky soils. Rear tine tillers may incorporate forward-rotating tines, counter-rotating tines, or dual-directional tines. Counter-rotating tines turn in the opposite direction of the drive wheels for more aggressive digging ability but may cause the drive wheels to slip in some conditions.

Width

Mechanized tillers sometimes feature an adjustable tilling width and dig deeply into the soil (8 to 10 inches and sometimes deeper for new beds), effectively breaking up compacted or rocky soil. The wider the tiller, the more ground it can cover, which can result in fewer passes across the bed to prepare the soil. 

Width is also a critical factor if the tiller will be used for cultivation during the growing season. You will want to either plant the garden with spacing that matches the width of the tiller or buy a tiller that can be adjusted to fit the width of existing garden rows and pathways.

Weight

Cultivators and rototillers range in weight from less than 50 pounds to more than 200 pounds. The tiller&#;s weight directly impacts its maneuverability as well as its ability to break up compacted soil. And there are numerous convenience factors related to weight, such as the ability to transport, maintain, and store the machine. Consider buying one that is as lightweight as possible, but as heavy as necessary.

If the tiller&#;s primary job will be breaking new ground and preparing the soil at the beginning of each growing season, then a heavier machine will make the most sense. On the other hand, if you will frequently use the tiller for weeding, cultivating, and incorporating soil amendments, then a lightweight cultivator could be the best option.

Portability

As tillers increase in size, they also become more cumbersome and can be tough to operate in tight spots. For this reason, some tillers offer adjustable-height handles for maximum operating comfort or folding handles that make them easier to store.

Many buyers value both power and portability in tillers, but like most things, increased size means increased weight. For this reason, the best tiller should only be big enough to handle the task at hand. Otherwise, there may be operating and storing challenges.

FAQs

These handy machines can help improve the yield of a garden and rejuvenate the lawn, but if you aren&#;t quite sure about the difference between tillers and cultivators or what type of rototiller would be ideal for your needs, continue reading. Several of the most commonly asked questions about the best garden tillers for new ground are answered below.

Q. How often should I till my garden bed?

As part of an overall garden management plan, one should determine whether or not their garden bed should be tilled, and if so, how frequently. The soil type and condition, soil moisture level, weather conditions, weed pressure, crop types, and other factors should influence the plan. That said, many gardeners find that deep tilling once ahead of the growing season is adequate, followed by occasional shallower tilling/cultivation one or more times through the growing season. Excessive tilling can do more harm than good.

Q. Which is better: a rear tine or front tine rototiller?

In general, rear tine tillers are preferred for large gardens or yards, while front tine tillers are better for a medium or small garden.

Q. Is it hard to use a tiller?

Using a rototiller can be moderately strenuous, but it is usually not difficult. First, familiarize yourself with the controls. Plan your tilling route and adjust the machine&#;s tilling depth before beginning. After starting the engine, slide the throttle to the fast position and squeeze the engagement lever so that the tines begin to rotate. Working in parallel rows&#;along the contours if the area is on a slope&#;till the entire area. Turn the rototiller off and clean the tines. 

Q. When should you use a tiller?

A rototiller can be helpful in many instances. For example, it can turn loose soil in the garden; break up hard, compact soil to prepare the ground for planting; or break through dying patches of lawn, killing off the old grass so that new grass can be planted. It can even be used to turn a compost pile.

Q. What is the best garden cultivator?

This depends on the needs of the user, but of all the garden cultivators we tested, our favorite was the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco CRT Garden Tiller. 

Meet the Tester

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor-living goods.

Additional research provided by Heather Blackmore and Timothy Dale.

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